The words I’ve heard most often in the last week are these: “I just don’t know.” From friends, co-workers, family, church leaders, business owners, online content creators and strangers in line at the store, we’re all there.
How much toilet paper do I really need? How long is this pandemic going to last? What happens if my family catches the virus? What if all the stores run out of food? What if my employer sends everyone home and I don’t get a paycheck? How am I going to manage working full time while my kids are out of school?
You probably know by now how much I love the book of Proverbs. The practical advice in those verses gives me direction and helps me to respond in a way that’s usually the opposite of my natural reaction. I asked myself, “I wonder what Proverbs has to say about this season of fear and uncertainty we’re experiencing?” and the reading for March 14 – Proverbs 14 – answered that question.
Verse 15: The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
Application: Don’t believe everything you hear. Consider the source. Remember that God is more powerful than the news. Don’t buy a million rolls of toilet paper because the person in line next to you loaded up their cart, but do buy toilet paper if you’re running low!
Verse 23: In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
Application: Don’t spend all day scrolling Facebook or engaging in anxious talk about the future with your friends and family. Get your work done! Clean your house. Make supper. Organize a closet. Work brings profit – maybe not monetary profit, but the benefit of the tasks you accomplished.
The result is found in verse 26: In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
The application of verses 15 and 23 might be different for you, but the truth of the Scripture remains. Strong confidence and a place of refuge can be ours when we fear the Lord.
I’m dealing with the temptation to worry and fret – and honestly, to be frustrated at how these events have changed our lives so quickly. I’m so thankful for the wisdom in God’s Word that helps me to do the right thing. I’m logging out of Facebook during the day, listening to a lot of worship music and asking God for grace to help me point others to the hope of Jesus Christ in these uncertain times.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed by fear, please let me know how I can pray for you. Send me an email or a DM on Instagram. This is impacting all of us and I care deeply about you! ❤
Read More:
- Confessions of a Worrier
- Peace in My Heart, Peace in My Home
- Hoping in God’s Faithfulness When Life is the Pits
Come Home For Comfort 
Whitney, you are a little shining light amidst all of this chaos. You are one of the few people online who has mentioned turning to God. I firmly believe, too, that this is so important. Thank you for your words and kindness. Prayers and hugs to you and your family, and everyone out there!
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Thanks, Colleen – hugs to you too! ❤
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You are always so encouraging and wise. I appreciate you teaching how you apply God’s Word to your life.
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I’m so thankful for God’s Word – it is the source of hope and stability in this crazy time! ❤
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I just keep telling myself and others that God is in control. People on Youtube are posting about what books to read when you are feeling anxious. No one I have seen has mentioned the Bible. Thanks-you, Whitney, for this post.
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Good for you! I think it’s important to share the hope that we have and not keep it to ourselves!
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Whitney, this post is such a blessing!! I’ll be honest and admit that up until today I had some moments of extreme frustration. Not fear, not worry — I know that God is in control and I know He has a good purpose in all that He allows — but frustration at not knowing the root cause of all this; the nagging feeling that the powers that be are not telling us everything; the mass hysteria and panic of many; the inconveniences and restrictions, etc. This morning as I prayed I came to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter in the end what caused it or what I know or don’t know about it. Bottom line, God allowed it for some good purpose of His own and it’s up to me to live my everyday life in light of that.
Then I come here and read your post. Every point you made from Proverbs, every bit of wise counsel you shared is so helpful, but I especially loved the thought of doing our work regardless of what is happening around us. Thank you so much!
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I totally know what you’re talking about – those things have been on my mind too! I’m espeically thankful for the truth of Scripture that is always right, always the same and always trustworthy!
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Such great counsel here!! Thank you for directing us all to the only Source that will truly help our situation, give us direction, and calm our fears!
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❤
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